My perfect home state? (sales, low crime, homes)

[cweb90]

I plan on moving next year and need to start figuring out where I need to move to.

I have lived in Arizona for the past 22 years and all I got to say is I am sick and tired of it.

I run my own internet business with employees remotely so location is not an issue as long as there is a really good isp with reliable internet.

What I am looking for:

1) Very little snow "couple days a year would be nice" or none at all
2) Weather never goes above around 90 degrees, 50-70 year round would be awesome!
3) People, I can't stand being out in the middle of nowhere.
4) Affordable to live, higher quality of living. Preferably something comparable to Arizona "if not better". While I can afford something like California, I rather not.
5) Driving distance to the ocean
6) Good hospitals / city programs. Not concerned about schools.

So far, I have been exploring Oregon such as Portland and Coos Bay. Just wondering if there are other states that I am overlooking?

Thanks!

[portlanderinOC]

Since you ruled out California, Oregon and Washington are probably you're only other bets. However do keep in mind California is quite geographically diverse and there really is something for everyone here, and if you can afford it I'd say go for it anyway.

There may be some places out in North Carolina that could work, but the heat would probably be a major issue especially since it's humid heat and not dry like Arizona.

[ja1myn]

Well you have quite the list of preferences there.

Not to worry, I can sum up some of your options for you fairly easily: NO WHERE.

[cweb90]

I never thought to check Washington.

So far, Oregon looks promising and it rains which is a bonus. Homes are priced reasonably right now due to the soft economy and property taxes aren't that bad.

What are some good cities with low crime in Southern California that are say, with in 1hr of the Ocean which matches my list?

Thanks!

[Lamplight]

Western Washington. Though being from Arizona, don't underestimate the wet, cloudy winters here. Also, I'm not sure I would call the Seattle area "affordable".

[Rob Allen]

The Portland area does seem ideal. Coos Bay is a tiny town; if you're looking for a city, stick with Portland or maybe Eugene in Oregon. Since you're self-employed, you could consider living across the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. There's no income tax in Washington and you can hop across the bridge to shop in Oregon where there's no sales tax.

Further north in Washington, it's true that Seattle is expensive but places like Tacoma, Olympia or Bellingham are more affordable.

[kyle19125]

Don't overlook Corvallis.....a beautiful, safe college town just 2 hours south of Portland.

Relocating to Corvallis, Moving to Corvallis Oregon, relocate oregon